Funding: the study is a deliverable under the state assignment 19.9992.2017/5.2 in the context of the international research and educational cooperation between the Ministry of Education and Science and DAAD, part of the Mikhail Lomonosov program.

Stillbirth rate is one of the most important indicators allowing assessment of the population's living standards and forecasting its growth rate. This study aimed to compare the frequency of stillbirths in the Bryansk region, EU and CIS countries based on the official statistical data covering the period from 1995 to 2014. It was established that male stillbirth rate is greater than female stillbirth rate both in the Bryansk region and the Russian Federation (by 14.2% and 9%, respectively), which is consistent with the worldwide trend that has the male stillbirth risk 10% higher than that for girls. Provided the dynamics remain the same, 2016 to 2021 the share of stillbirths in the Bryansk region will continue to grow and reach 28.8% by 2021, which is greater than nationwide. The gender distribution will also grow to 32.6% (male stillbirths more common than female) by 2021.